Eagles have good 7-on-7 season

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, July 26, 2006

The Atascocita Eagles may not have begun their first regular sports season, but that has not stopped the 7-on-7 players from hitting the field.

"7-on-7 has allowed us to come together as a team," said quarterback Daniel Tatman.

Many are not aware that 7-on-7 football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It involves seven players on each team playing against an opponent in attempts to score touchdowns.

Players may come from different schools but is recommended that they come from the same in order to maximize they cohesiveness as a team during the regular football season. Coaches affiliated with a school may not coach a team. Usually, a team is coached by a volunteer or parent.

While 7 on 7 football showcases quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs, it is highly recommended that the use base personnel (including linebackers and running backs), as 7 on 7 provides meaningful, relevant experience for those positions, as well.

"We have more confidence as a team because we have gotten close and are beginning to understand more about what each of us are doing on the field," said Tatman.

The Eagles played in the Lake Houston League of 7-on-7 football for their first season.

"We are fortunate to be able to play competitively and get some feel of what it will be like to be on the same team," said teammate Stephen Ottemen.

"Hopefully, we will be able to accomplish our goals of having a good first football season. We all are looking forward to two-a-day practice. That is where it really gets tough."

The Eagles have not disappointed fans that traveled to support the team. The second game of the season was a good game for the Eagles. The first win of the season for the team came against Aldine

The score remained close through the first and second half until good skills and training from quarterback Daniel Tatman and Tim Williams led the team to victory.

Ottemen moves into the history books for the Eagles with the first interception of the year during the Aldine game. Teammate Cameron Lacour had two interceptions, one on which he collected a touchdown.

"This was a very good game for us and it allows us to really see each other in a competitive manner," said Eagle Mike Valdez.

"Some of us have been playing together for years but for others, this is not the case. Therefore, it is always good when you have a chance to train and practice with your teammates. You get to know each other better on and off the field."

The Eagles received good defense from Brandon Richardson and Denzel Fontono. The offensive line exploded with Tatman, Williams, Valdez, Jeremy Braden and Cameron Cox.

The camaraderie of the team from that win set the tone for the next game and the next win for the Eagles. In the game against Alvin, the Eagles collected their second win of the season and their second consecutive victory.

"It is always a good feeling when your team wins," said co- quarterback Tim Williams.

"We will be ready for more during the regular season, and the teams we play against can expect for us to be more of team."

Another good game was against last year's 2005 football state champions, Baytown Lee. The team played without one of their best receivers, with Valdez being out, and suffered a loss by one touchdown.

"We were beating them (Lee) at a score of 17-6 in the first half but the score ended up being 17-24," said Ottemen.

"I really think 7-on-7 has helped our team come together and get us ready for the real season coming up. This has been a successful 7-on-7 summer, even though our record was not the best. This is our first year and we will only get better and play better as a team."